Holy Cross College will be aiming to retain the Electric Ireland Schools’ Cup for senior girls’ teams next week.
However, standing in the way of the Strabane girls and more silverware are north Belfast’s Dominican College.
Back in April 2022, at Mill Meadow in Castledawson in the Electric Ireland junior final, a tense battle between the two schools was played out in front of a packed stadium.
The teams could not be separated in normal time. It was only in extra time that Dominican were able to score the goals - two of them - that would see them secure the trophy.
Now, two years later, several of the players involved in that game will meet again in the senior final.
The venue this time is Stangmore Park in Dungannon. The final will be played there on Monday (29 April) and the kick-off time is 11.30am.
The two coaches involved in that 2022 junior decider will be in the dugouts once again - Jessica Foy with Dominican and Gerald Boyle with Holy Cross.
Dominican booked their place in the final earlier this month with a comprehensive victory over Royal School Dungannon.
And Holy Cross, who are aiming to be crowned senior champions for the third year in a row, defeated Dunmurry school Rathmore Grammar 5-2 in the last four.
Dominican College coach Jessica Foy said: “It has been a joy to watch the girls come through the junior section to reach the final at senior level. They have worked really hard and are excited to play a great side in Holy Cross College.”
Francis Brennan, the Irish FA Foundation’s Post Primary Development Manager, said: “It’s an exciting final for this competition. Girls’ football in schools is developing and growing all the time.
“Many schools will be looking at this final and hoping they can make that leap in the future to be part of these big days.”
In last year’s final two goals from Ciara McAleer and another from Rosie Harper were enough to seal cup success for the Strabane school against Kilkeel High School.
Teams featuring girls in school years 12 to 14 take part in the senior competition.
Image: Holy Cross College celebrate winning the senior trophy in 2023.
